SC State Signs Dual Enrollment Agreement With Florence One Schools

Florence 1 Schools students now have more choices when it comes to dual enrollment. After approval from the F1S Board of Trustees at their March 10th meeting, high school students now have 6 colleges and universities to choose from when selecting dual enrollment courses.

Maggie Gause, Director of Student Support Services, said that the expansion of dual enrollment opens up a lot of doors for students.

“We are thrilled to be adding additional dual-enrollment options for Florence 1 students,” Gause said. “The benefits of taking college-level courses in high school are immense when you consider the cost and time required to get a college degree. Under these partnerships, students will be able to choose from a wide range of courses from general education to fine arts technique classes and even education courses designed for future educators.”

The six institutions Florence 1 Schools now offers dual-enrollment partnerships with are:

• Allen University

• Coker University

• College of Charleston

• Francis Marion University

• South Carolina State University

• Winthrop University

“In a region that needs more college-educated citizens, we applaud F1S for continuing to strengthen partnerships that ensure additional students earn college credits in high school,” said Coker University President Dr. Natalie J. Harder. “Coker looks forward to working with the district's committed teachers and staff in maximizing the potential of its students.”

Wilson Principal Dr. Eric Robinson said that he is happy to have more dual-enrollment partners for his students to choose from.

“It is exciting and very beneficial to our students to partner with these universities,” Robinson said. “These partnerships will expand the opportunities for my students and students at the other high schools in Florence.”

South Florence student Addy Sprawls said she thinks this is a great opportunity for students to take advantage of while they are still in high school.

“I think Florence 1 students will really like this because before we just had two options, Francis Marion or Florence Darlington Tech,” Sprawls said. “If a student wants to go to Coker or Winthrop or one of the other schools this gives them a boost to know what they are going into when they go to those colleges. I especially like the fine arts options with Coker.”

On Monday South Carolina State University signed the agreement at Wilson High School. "Florence 1 Schools is proud of the many South Carolina State University alumni who serve in our schools," said Dr. Richard O'Malley, Florence One superintendent of schools. "We echo the sentiments voiced through South Carolina State University's Alma Mater: ‘Ready all to Do and Dare.’

“Through this agreement we challenge our students to become ready to prepare themselves with the educational opportunities that are offered to them. Moreover, we encourage our students to dare and to strive to succeed beyond expectations,” O’Malley said.

The Memorandum of Agreement allows students to enroll in college-level courses and earn credit from both the high school and the university. The offerings will be from SC State’s core curriculum, such as courses in freshman composition, language and history.

"Through this partnership with South Carolina State University, we look forward to paving the way for many of our students to enter college and to take advantage of the resources that will be provided,” O'Malley said. “We hope that the partnership will inspire them and help them continue to prepare for the evolving job market and present them with new and interesting career options."

The Florence One agreement is the first official dual enrollment partnership for SC State, and the university has pending contracts with other school districts.

“Making this connection with Florence One School is an important step in South Carolina State University’s mission to make higher education more accessible to students around the state of South Carolina,” SC State Interim President Alexander Conyers said. “We know gifted high school students are capable of understanding and absorbing college-level coursework.

“It is SC State’s privilege to welcome deserving achievers in the Florence One district to the Bulldog family,” Conyers said. “Anything we can do to facilitate the transition from secondary education to university enrollment is well worth the time and energy.”

As stated in the agreement, the dual enrollment program is vital for the advancement and preparation of secondary students for the world beyond high school graduation. Dual credit courses include college courses offered on the college campus, online, at a high school or at a career center.

To enroll in dual credit/dual enrollment classes, students must apply to SC State and be accepted to the university. Dual enrollment students will expect to earn grades via demonstrated competence in subject matter and not through extra credit assignments.

The courses possess the same faculty credentialing, teaching strategies, learning outcomes and assessments as courses taught traditionally in a college setting. Students enrolling in these courses will earn grades that will be reflected on their high school transcripts as well as their college transcripts. SC State cannot guarantee, however, that any courses would be eligible for college credit at any institution other than SC State.

Monday’s signing culminated South Carolina State University Day at Florence One Schools, which also allowed high school students to audition for SC State’s Marching 101 Band and participate in a college fair. The college fair featured SC State’s various fields of study, departments and extracurricular programs. Representatives from SC State’s Admissions Office were on hand for onsite applications.